Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery of many different areas.  When you travel on foot you can take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the land you are passing through and you will also be able to spot wildlife as you travel.  There are many amazing hiking trails in Europe and here are just some of the classic options.

Mount Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc

France, Italy and Switzerland

Distance: 106 miles (170km)

Duration: 10 to 12 days.

The Alps are one of the world’s most amazing sights.  There are a number of fantastic walking trails located throughout this stunning mountain range that take in the beautiful scenery of countries like France, Italy and Switzerland.  The Tour du Mont Blanc is a very popular hiking trail that encircles the magnificent Mont Blanc.  There is even a race here held every August, the Ultra-Trail, which is a grueling, non stop race around the mountain trail.

Grande Randonnée 10 (GR10)

France

Distance: 538 miles (866km).

Duration: You will need to allow approx 2 months with rest days.

This course is for serious hikers and will take you two months to complete with rest stops.  You can of course pick up the trail anywhere along the way for a shorter route of your choosing.  The GR10 is an amazing route which crosses the French Pyrenees to connect with Hendaye on the Atlantic coast and Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean. It traverses five different regions and takes you through traditional Basque villages and stunning mountain scenery.

Austria a beautiful country and offers visitors with some wonderful panoramas from the soaring slopes of the Alps through to the lush fertile lands of the Danube Valley.  Austria also has a number of cultural attractions including some world class museums, art galleries, theatres, opera houses and historical buildings. If you are interested in outdoor activities then you will find lots to keep you occupied including hiking, cycling and a number of winter sports.

Activities

There is plenty to see and do in Austria and this destination suites many different types of holiday makers from history lovers through to sporting types.

Mountain Hiking

The Austrian Alps are full of first class hiking trails and the landscape is varied from thick forests through to glaciers and steep ravines.  There are also some beautiful alpine meadows and these offer gentle walks with plenty of breathtaking views.

Winter Sports 

The Alps are one of the most popular winter sports destinations in the world and the Austrian Alps offer all kinds of winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, sleigh riding, curling, skating and tobogganing.

Austrian Steam Trains

You can take in the stunning Austrian scenery by taking a trip on the old 19^th century steam train.  The route will take you through some beautiful landscapes including some lovely old towns and villages.

Austrian Wine Tours

Austria is famous for its amazing wines and you can take a tour of some of the best wine growing regions such as Southern Styria, Lower Austria and the Burgenland and sample some of the top wines.

There are several major international airports in the UK and these offer a number of facilities including onsite hotels.  One of the main benefits of choosing a hotel located close to the airport is that they offer Park and Fly deals and these can save you a lot of money on your travel.

Most people do not live close to the airport they want to travel from when they go abroad on business or leisure trips.  For most people it is cheaper and easier to drive their own car to the airport, but this can incur additional costs such as airport parking which can be expensive.  You can save money by staying the night before in a hotel close to the airport and taking advantage of one of their Park and Fly deals.  This will also allow you to get some rest and have a good breakfast before you have to tackle the busy airport checking in areas.  Hotels also provide complimentary transfers to the main terminals and some may also be within easy walking distance.

Most Park and Fly deals will allow you to park your car for to 15 days in the hotel car park as part of the deal.  Some hotels will also provide free collection services so that your car will be waiting for you in the pick area outside the hotel when you return from your holiday.  It is important to choose a hotel that offers secure parking areas with 24/7 surveillance if you are going to be leaving your car for any long periods of time.

Park and Fly deals can save you money and also offer a relaxed, stress free way to start your holidays.

The western Mediterranean has a lot to offer visitors and one of the best ways to get around is to take one of the many cruises that are offered in this area. This will allow you to visit all of the top sights from the romantic plazas of Rome through to the trendy shops, restaurants and nightclubs of Barcelona. Cruises in the western Mediterranean run for most of the year but the main season is from May to October. This is when the weather will be at its best and all of the main attractions will be open for businesses.

Remember that in many countries such as France and Spain late July and August are popular holiday times. This means that many of the smaller family run shops, bars and restaurants will be closed, but as you can dine on board your cruise ship this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. One of the great things about cruising around the western Mediterranean is that this is a very comfortable and relaxing way to take in the stunning natural scenery and avoids all of the stress and hassle of international airports.

You will also not be restricted when it comes to baggage. This means that you will be able to do as much shopping as you like when you whilst you are away and you can bring back plenty of goodies including wine, hand crafted goods and clothes.

Belgium is the political centre of the European Union and is well known for its world class cuisine and impressive architecture.  There are plenty of things to see and do for visitors to Belgium and the historic cities of Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp offer many old buildings, fine restaurants, interesting museums and other entertainments. 

Historic Buildings of Antwerp

Brussels

Brussels is a sophisticated modern city and has a number of first rate hotels.  Top attractions for visitors include the Museum of Ancient Art, Museum of Modern Art and the Museum if the City of Brussels.  A visit to the Museum of Chocolate and Cocoa is also a must if you are a fan of the world famous Belgium chocolates. You can relax over a delicious meal in one of the many great restaurants in the city and most of these are surprisingly affordable and have laid back outdoor seating areas so that you can enjoy the pleasant summer weather.

Antwerp

Antwerp has reinvented itself in recent years and has become one of the top fashion and design capitals in the world, with many renowned designers operating out of the city.  Close by are also the stunning natural charms of the Ardennes mountain region, which offers many delightful landscapes and panoramic views.

Bruges

Bruges also has its own celebration of chocolate at the ‘Choco-Story’ and there are many confectioners selling delicious Belgium chocolates all over the city.  You can relax on one of the scenic canal boat rides through Bruges charming waterways and this is a great way to take in all of the impressive medieval architecture the city is famous for. 

Ghent

Ghent was once second largest medieval city in Europe (after Paris) and also has many fine historic buildings.  There are two good museums the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Industrial Archaeology.